Ponce de Leon Hotel and Flagler College Building, St. Augustine (must see)
Built by successful industrialist Henry M. Flagler, the Ponce de Leon Hotel was opened in 1888. The building features Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture designed by Carr猫re and Hastings, a young team of architects. The hotel was seasonal, operating in the winter from January to Easter. It became known by the nickname "The Ponce."
This luxury hotel boasted the latest in modern conveniences of the 19th century. The Edison Electric Company provided 4,000 electric lights to illuminate the hotel. It was one of the earliest buildings in the country to be wired with electricity. They also contributed steam heat. Two towers held large water storage tanks that gave guests running water.
The interior was lavishly decorated with fine furniture and grand murals painted by artists George W. Maynard and Virgilio Tojetti. The renowned designer Louis Comfort Tiffany contributed gorgeous mosaics, chandeliers, and stained glass windows surrounding the hotel dining room. Over the years, many famous politicians, writers, sports figures, and celebrities stayed at the hotel.
During World War II, the hotel served as a training base for the Coast Guard Reserve. But with declining guests in the years that followed, the last gala dinner dance was held at The Ponce before the hotel closed for good in 1967. In 2006, the Ponce de Leon Hotel became recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
In 1968, the building was used to house the newly-founded Flagler College. This small St. Augustine school, named after Henry Flagler, is a private liberal arts college with a 19-acre campus. The opulent former hotel provides a beautiful setting for education and learning.
What was once the hotel's grand parlor for ladies is now called the "Flagler Room," which hosts events. The magnificent hotel dining room became home to the student dining hall. Daily tours of Flagler College are available, where visitors can explore the courtyard, lobby, and main historical rooms of the Ponce de Leon Hotel.
This luxury hotel boasted the latest in modern conveniences of the 19th century. The Edison Electric Company provided 4,000 electric lights to illuminate the hotel. It was one of the earliest buildings in the country to be wired with electricity. They also contributed steam heat. Two towers held large water storage tanks that gave guests running water.
The interior was lavishly decorated with fine furniture and grand murals painted by artists George W. Maynard and Virgilio Tojetti. The renowned designer Louis Comfort Tiffany contributed gorgeous mosaics, chandeliers, and stained glass windows surrounding the hotel dining room. Over the years, many famous politicians, writers, sports figures, and celebrities stayed at the hotel.
During World War II, the hotel served as a training base for the Coast Guard Reserve. But with declining guests in the years that followed, the last gala dinner dance was held at The Ponce before the hotel closed for good in 1967. In 2006, the Ponce de Leon Hotel became recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
In 1968, the building was used to house the newly-founded Flagler College. This small St. Augustine school, named after Henry Flagler, is a private liberal arts college with a 19-acre campus. The opulent former hotel provides a beautiful setting for education and learning.
What was once the hotel's grand parlor for ladies is now called the "Flagler Room," which hosts events. The magnificent hotel dining room became home to the student dining hall. Daily tours of Flagler College are available, where visitors can explore the courtyard, lobby, and main historical rooms of the Ponce de Leon Hotel.
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Ponce de Leon Hotel and Flagler College Building on Map
Sight Name: Ponce de Leon Hotel and Flagler College Building
Sight Location: St. Augustine, USA (See walking tours in St. Augustine)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: St. Augustine, USA (See walking tours in St. Augustine)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in St. Augustine, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in St. Augustine
Creating your own self-guided walk in St. Augustine is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
St. Augustine's Historical Houses Tour
A great deal of St. Augustine's storied past is set in stone in the form of houses that have been inhabited for over 400 years. The number of historic homes found in the city offer a glimpse into its colorful culture with European roots.
Among the most notable of them is the Ximenez-Fatio House. Built in 1798, originally as a boarding place for wealthy travelers, today this property serves... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Among the most notable of them is the Ximenez-Fatio House. Built in 1798, originally as a boarding place for wealthy travelers, today this property serves... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
St. Augustine Introduction Walking Tour
The charming city of St. Augustine is situated on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, where two rivers and a lagoon meet at St. Augustine Inlet. Famous as the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is a historical town that boasts plenty of intriguing places to explore.
Pedro Menendez de Aviles, a Spanish explorer, founded the city in 1565. After first sighting land in Florida... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Pedro Menendez de Aviles, a Spanish explorer, founded the city in 1565. After first sighting land in Florida... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
St. Augustine Early Settlements Tour
The city of St. Augustine on the northeastern coast of Florida is considered the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. It was founded by Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles on September 8, 1565, and served as the capital of Spanish Florida for more than 200 years.
One of the most significant early European sites in the city is the Castillo de San... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
One of the most significant early European sites in the city is the Castillo de San... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles